Inspired by mussels, this 12-year-old Florida student is competing for a $25,000 prize with her eco-friendly adhesive

Twelve-year-old Aaisha Asif, a sixth-grade student at Pine View School in Florida, has been named one of 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing a mussel-inspired adhesive. Her biomimicry-based project aims to reduce harmful VOCs by using natural proteins and iron-based crosslinkers to create an environmentally friendly alternative. Guided by a 3M scientist, she will refine her innovation before competing for the $25,000 grand prize in October.